Telugu IPL Players: Tracing the Path of Telugu Athletes in Cricket from IPL's Inception to Present
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Cricket is the first sport that comes to mind in India, cutting across barriers of caste, religion, language, and region, and is embraced by individuals from every stratum of society. Cricketers are often idolized like celebrities, their popularity reaching stellar heights. The affection and admiration for cricketers representing Team India are immense. Icons like Sachin Tendulkar, M.S. Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli enjoy fan bases both domestically and internationally. The representation of players from the Telugu regions in such a pivotal sport has been on the rise. There was a time when the name of a Telugu cricketer would primarily evoke the memory of V.V.S. Laxman. Today, however, the scenario has evolved. Several young talents from the Telugu states are emerging on the national scene, with many already having earned recognition and success playing for India. This exclusive report by YouSay highlights the journey and achievements of these athletes in cricket.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Telugu cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy burst onto the scene during the 2024 IPL season. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Nitish has showcased exceptional skills in batting, bowling, and fielding. He has established himself as a dependable all-rounder, particularly shining in critical moments of the game.
Background
Nitish Kumar Reddy was born on May 26, 2003, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, into a lower middle-class family. His father, Muthyala Reddy, was previously employed at Hindustan Zinc. Nitish began playing cricket at just five years old. Inspired by watching matches at the Hindustan Zinc company grounds and starting with a plastic ball, he was encouraged by his father to pursue cricket professionally. Early in his career, Nitish attended training camps at the Visakhapatnam ground and later joined the ACA Academy in Kadapa. With the support of former chief selector M.S.K. Prasad further developed his cricketing skills.
First Class Cricket
As an opening batsman in age-group cricket and a medium pacer, Nitish Kumar Reddy has shown considerable prowess. He played for the Under-19 B team, where he effectively displayed his cricketing skills. Nitish made his first-class debut during the 2019-20 Ranji season. Since then, he has participated in 7 matches, amassing one century and one half-century, for a total of 366 runs. In List A cricket, representing the Andhra team, Nitish has played 22 matches, batting in 15 innings and scoring 403 runs with an average of 36.63, which includes 25 fours and 21 sixes. His highest score is 60 not out. In the List A T20 format, he has played 14 matches, scoring 311 runs with a commendable average of 38.87 and a top score of 76 not out. Additionally, his bowling record in List A includes 14 wickets in 22 matches, with an economy rate of 5.81.
Turning Point
The selection for the IPL marked a significant turning point in Nitish Kumar Reddy's career. After his impressive performances in first-class cricket, he was drafted by the Sunrisers franchise in 2023 for a base price of Rs. 20 lakhs. Though he saw limited opportunities in his debut season, the Sunrisers had specific plans for him as a finisher in the following season. In a critical match against Chennai (CSK vs SRH), Nitish was positioned in the lower middle order and scored 14 runs off 8 balls, contributing to his team's victory. Encouraged by his potential, the Sunrisers management promoted him up the batting order in a subsequent match against Punjab. Taking full advantage of this opportunity, Nitish quickly scored a half-century, amassing 64 runs from 37 balls, which included 4 fours and 5 sixes, proving invaluable to his team. This performance notably enhanced his visibility on the national stage and became a pivotal moment in his cricketing journey.
IPL Performance
So far, in the IPL, Nitish Kumar Reddy has played 10 matches, scoring 239 runs at an average of 47.80 and a strike rate of 154.23, including two half-centuries. These statistics are all from this season. Though he played only two matches in the previous season, his bowling was limited. Reviewing his IPL bowling stats, he has taken 3 wickets in 9 matches, conceding 124 runs for 73 runs scored against him, with best bowling figures of 2/17.
Future Team India All-Rounder
There has always been a demand for pace all-rounders in Team India. After Hardik Pandya, the BCCI is on the lookout for a suitable pace all-rounder. Observers analyzing Nitish's batting style, variety in bowling, and dynamic fielding suggest that he is a suitable candidate for this role. Consistent performance in tournaments and maintaining fitness could soon see Nitish donning the Team India jersey. Sports experts predict that Nitish will evolve as a future all-rounder for Team India.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Career Stats
Batting
FormatMatchsRunsHSAverageSR10050 4's 6'sList A224036036.6395.2742521IPL9219 76*54.75154.2321017India OdiIndia T20
Bowling
FormatMatches BallsRuns Wkts BBM Ave Econ SR 4W 5WList A22608589143/2342.075.8143.4- -IPL9437032/1723.339.7714.33-India OdiIndia T20
Tilak Varma
Another rising young Telugu cricketer seen as a beacon of hope for Team India is 'Tilak Varma.' After V.V.S. Laxman, there was a felt absence of a dedicated Telugu batsman in Team India, a void that lingered for a while. However, the emergence of Tilak Varma (Telugu IPL Players) has shifted that narrative. This young cricketer has demonstrated his prowess in the IPL and while playing for Team India, showcasing his capabilities not only in batting but also in taking key wickets occasionally with his bowling.
Background
Tilak Varma was born on November 8, 2002, in Hyderabad. His father, Namburi Nagaraju, is an electrician, and his mother, Gayatri Devi, is a housewife. Tilak studied in Crescent Model School and completed his intermediate education at Lepakshi Junior College. He is currently pursuing a BBA at Andhra University. Tilak started playing cricket with a tennis ball at the age of 11 and received training at the Legal Cricket Academy in Lingampally.
First-Class Cricket
Tilak Varma made his debut for the Hyderabad team in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season. In that tournament, Tilak played 7 matches and scored 215 runs at a strike rate of 147.26, showcasing his potential. He also played well in the 2019-20 Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 180 runs in 5 matches. His performances in the Under 19 World Cup in 2020 and the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2021-22 caught the attention of IPL franchises.
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IPL Performance
During the 2022 IPL auction, the Mumbai Indians acquired Tilak Varma. Starting with a base price of Rs. 20 lakhs, he was ultimately purchased for Rs. 1.7 crores. In just his second appearance of that season, Tilak made a striking impact by scoring 61 runs off 31 balls. In the 2023 IPL season, he continued to impress by scoring 84 runs from 46 balls in a match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Over the 2022 season, Tilak participated in 14 matches and amassed 397 runs, maintaining an average of 36.09. His form persisted into the 2023 season, during which he played 11 matches and scored 343 runs at an average of 42.88. In the ongoing 17th IPL season, Tilak has continued his consistent performance, playing 11 matches and scoring 347 runs at an average of 38.56 and a strike rate of 151.53.
Team India Performance
In July 2023, Tilak Varma was selected for the Indian team for the T20 series against the West Indies. In his debut match, he scored 39 runs from 22 balls and was the top scorer for the team. In his second T20, he scored his first half-century for India. Later in 2022, Tilak was selected for the Ireland tour and represented India at the Asian Games in China the same year. Based on his IPL performances, everyone expected Tilak Varma to be selected for the T20 World Cup, but unfortunately, he was not.
Tilak Varma Career Stats
Batting
FormatMatchsRunsHSAverage SR10050 4's 6'sList A291304156*52.1697.67 5610149IPL361087 84*38.82146.6967957India Odi4685222.6657.14016 1India T201633655*33.60139.41022916
Bowling
FormatMatches BallsRuns Wkts BBM Ave Econ SR 4W 5WList A 29 272 214 8 4/2326.75 4.72 34.01 0IPL 36 22 28 0 0/6-7.64 -0 0 India Odi 4 4239 05.57 0 0 0India T20 16 30 26 2 1/5 13.00 5.20 15.0 0 0
Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj is an outstanding fast bowler representing Team India from the Telugu states. Siraj, who faced numerous challenges at the start of his career, has quickly established himself as a bowler for Team India with his bowling talent. Currently, he is considered one of the top pacers in the Indian team, second only to Jasprit Bumrah in capability. It is no exaggeration to say that Siraj has also been selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Background
Mohammed Siraj was born into a modest family in Toli Chowki, Hyderabad, on March 13, 1994. His father, Mohammed Ghouse, drove an auto for a living. Siraj did not receive any formal coaching during his childhood. He practiced his bowling at the local Eidgah Maidan. Possessing good pace and swing in his bowling, he was selected for the HCA Division League. His performance there led to his selection for the Hyderabad Under-23 team.
First-Class Cricket
Siraj showed his prowess in the Under-23 team and was selected for the Hyderabad Ranji Trophy team in 2016. He made a significant impact in the tournament, overwhelming opposition batsmen with his skill. Siraj’s bowling helped the Hyderabad team, part of Group-C, to reach the quarterfinals. Notably, he took 41 wickets at an average of 18.92 in that tournament. His performances earned him a spot in the Rest of India team for the Irani Trophy.
IPL Performance
Siraj’s exceptional performance in the Ranji Trophy paved the way for his IPL career. In the 2017 IPL auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for Rs. 2.6 crores. In that season, he played 9 matches for Hyderabad, taking 41 wickets, and became the highest wicket-taker for the team. However, after a less notable performance in the 2017-18 season, Sunrisers released him. In the 2018 auction, Royal Challengers Bangalore bought him for Rs. 2.20 crores. Since then, Siraj has been a key bowler for RCB. As of now, he has played 89 IPL matches, taking 86 wickets with an economy rate of 8.63.
Team India Performance
Following his IPL stint, Siraj was directly picked for the India-A team, where coach Rahul Dravid further honed his skills. In a one-off unofficial Test during the South Africa-A tour, he took five wickets (5/103). He performed commendably in matches against South Africa-A, Afghanistan-A, and New Zealand-A, representing India-A. These performances led to his selection for the Indian team for the T20 series against New Zealand in 2017. On September 17, 2023, in the Asia Cup final in Colombo against Sri Lanka, Mohammed Siraj took 5 wickets in 16 balls, demonstrating his prowess. He equaled the record of the legendary Sri Lankan bowler Chaminda Vaas by becoming the fastest bowler to take 6 wickets in ODIs. In that match, he also became the first Indian bowler to take 4 wickets in a single over, achieving a significant milestone.
Mohammed Siraj Career Stats
Bowling
FormatMatches BallsRuns Wkts BBM Ave Econ SR 4W 5WList A 86 3907 3367 149 6/2122.59 5.17 26.2 4 4IPL 89 1862 2679 86 4/2131.15 8.63 21.65 2 - India Odi 41 1825 1550 68 6/2122.79 5.09 26.8 2 1India T20 10 228 334 12 4/17 27.83 8.78 19.0 1 0 India Tests 27 3930 2197 74 6/15 29.68 3.35 53.1 5 3
Shaik Rasheed
Shaik Rasheed is becoming a promising future star for Team India from the Telugu states. Appointed as the vice-captain for the Under-19 World Cup team in 2022, Rasheed quickly captured everyone's attention. As a right-handed batsman, he delivered impressive performances throughout the tournament. His abilities caught the eye of the Chennai Super Kings, who selected him in the IPL, where he has continued to demonstrate his significant talent as a cricketer.
Background
Shaik Rasheed was born on September 24, 2004, in Pathamallayapalem, a village in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. The second son of Shaik Basha and Jyothi, his father is a private employee. Rasheed developed an interest in cricket from a young age, and his family supported his passion. He received coaching from Krishna Rao at the Mangalagiri Cricket Academy.
Cricket Career
Rasheed was selected for the Under-14 cricket team at the age of nine. He made his mark in inter-district competitions by scoring a triple century against the Srikakulam team. In 2017, he scored 674 runs in the Under-16 category, becoming the highest scorer of the tournament. Selected for the Under-19 team in 2018, he continued to excel, scoring 680 runs and ranking second nationally for the most runs. In 2021, playing in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, Rasheed scored two centuries and two half-centuries, amassing over 400 runs in six matches. His outstanding performances led to his selection as vice-captain for the 2022 Under-19 World Cup.
IPL
Impressed by his performances in domestic cricket, the Chennai Super Kings bought Shaik Rasheed in the 2023 IPL auction for Rs. 20 lakhs. He is currently with the Chennai team, eagerly awaiting his chance to shine.
Shaik Rasheed Career Stats
Batting
FormatMatchsRunsHSAverage SR10050 4's 6'sList A 8 62 31 8.85 105 0 0 5-IPLIndia OdiIndia T20
K.S Bharat
K.S Bharat is among the cricketers from the Telugu states who have represented the Indian national team. Serving both as a batsman and a wicket-keeper, Bharat established himself in the Ranji Trophy, earning a spot on Team India. He has since made a notable impact in test series, particularly with his skills as a wicket-keeper.
Background
K.S Bharat was born on October 3, 1993, in Ramachandrapuram, Andhra Pradesh. His parents are Srinivasarao and Devi. Due to his father's naval job in Visakhapatnam, Bharat completed his entire education there, finishing his MBA from Bullayya College. On August 5, 2020, he married Anjali, who is from Gajuwaka.
First-Class Cricket
K.S Bharat stepped into first-class cricket in 2012, representing Andhra in 78 matches and scoring 4,283 runs. In a 2015 Ranji match against Goa, he scored 308 runs, becoming the first wicket-keeper to score a triple century in Ranji history.
IPL Career
K.S Bharat, known for his List A cricket performances, was first picked by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the 2015 IPL auction. However, he didn’t get a chance to play any matches. In 2021, Royal Challengers Bangalore acquired him, and he notably performed as a batter and wicket-keeper, playing 8 matches and scoring 191 runs at an average of 38.20, with a high score of 78*. Delhi reacquired him in 2022 for Rs. 2 crores, but he only managed 8 runs in two matches. In the 2024 season, Bharat is representing Kolkata Knight Riders.
Team India Performance
K.S Bharat has played a total of seven test matches for Team India but has not appeared in ODIs or T20s. His debut came on February 9, 2023, in a home test against Australia, wearing the Team India jersey for the first time. Since then, he has been a regular wicket-keeper in most of the test matches India played.
KS Bharat Career Stats
Batting
FormatMatchsRunsHSAverage SR10050 4's 6'sList A 69 2167 161* 34.95 79.17 7 7 222 41IPL 10 199 78 28.43 122.09 0 1 12 8India OdiIndia T20India Test7 221 44 20.09 53.0 0 0 19 6
Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu, known as a prominent Telugu cricketer after V.V.S. Laxman has significantly impacted the IPL with his dynamic performances, contributing to memorable victories and showcasing his prowess for Team India. However, Rayudu has recently announced his retirement from all formats of the game.
Background
Born on September 23, 1985, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh to Sambasiva Rao and Vijaya Lakshmi, Ambati Rayudu completed his education in Sainikpuri, Hyderabad. From a young age, Rayudu was inclined towards cricket, paving his way towards a professional career.
First-Class Cricket
Rayudu stepped into first-class cricket in January 2002 playing for Hyderabad when he was just 16 years old. He then captained the under-17 team and was later selected for the Indian under-19 team, where he excelled during a tour in England as an opener, scoring 291 runs across three matches. Between 2001 and 2005, Rayudu represented Hyderabad, and from 2005 to 2006, he played for Andhra before returning to Hyderabad until 2010. In total, he played 97 first-class matches, scoring 6,151 runs at an average of 45.56, with a top score of 210.
Team India Performance
Ambati Rayudu has played many matches for India, contributing to memorable victories. He made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe on July 24, 2013, and entered the T20 international scene against England in 2014. Rayudu has played 55 ODIs and 6 T20 matches for India but did not feature in any Test matches.
IPL Career
Rayudu's standout performances in first-class cricket captured the attention of the Mumbai team, leading to his initial recruitment for the 2009 IPL season. Serving as a middle-order batter and wicket-keeper, he played a key role in Mumbai securing three IPL titles. In the 2018-19 public auction, the Chennai Super Kings signed him, where he was instrumental in their three title victories (2018, 2021, and 2023). After retiring from international cricket in 2019, Rayudu said his goodbyes to the IPL in 2023.
Ambati Rayudu Career Stats
Batting
FormatMatchsRunsHSAverage SR10050 4's 6'sList A 178 5607 124* 39.48 - - 5 40 -IPL 203 4348 100 28.05 127.54 1 22 359 173India Odi 55 1694 124 47.06 79.05 3 10 145 30India T20 6 42 20 10.5 84.0 0 0 5 0India Test
Venugopal Rao
Venugopal Rao is among the select cricketers from the Telugu states who have played for India. Born on February 26, 1982, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Rao has also played significant roles in securing long-term successes for his teams in the IPL.
First-Class Career
Venugopal Rao, hailing from a lower middle-class family in Steel City Visakhapatnam, along with his four brothers, represented the Andhra team across various age groups from junior to senior levels. In his first-class career, he has played 121 matches, scoring 7,081 runs at an average of 40.93.
Team India Performance
Impressive domestic performances earned Venugopal Rao a spot in the Indian ODI team during the 2005 season. He represented India in 16 ODIs, scoring 218 runs at an average of 24.22.
IPL Performance
Venugopal Rao competed in the IPL from 2008 to 2014, playing for teams such as Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, and Sunrisers Hyderabad across 65 matches. He was a member of the Deccan Chargers during their IPL victory. Having retired from professional cricket a few years back, Rao now serves as a Telugu commentator in the IPL.
Venugopal Rao Career Stats
Batting
FormatMatchsRunsHSAverage SR10050 4's 6'sList A 137 4110 115* 38.77 - 11 25 --IPL 64 985 71* 22.39117.82 3 77 37India Odi 16 218 61* 24.22 60.05 0 1 16 3 India T20India Test
VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman, a distinguished cricketer from the Telugu states and a former player for Team India, serves as a significant inspiration for numerous regional cricketers. His full name is Vangipurapu Venkata Sai Laxman, and he was born on November 1, 1974, in Hyderabad.
First-Class Career
Laxman had a distinguished first-class career, representing Hyderabad from 1992 to 2012 and playing for Lancashire between 2007 and 2009 in English domestic cricket. In his first-class career, Laxman played 267 matches, scoring 19,730 runs at an impressive average of 51.64.
Team India Performance
VVS Laxman has played 134 Tests and 86 ODIs for India. He made his Test debut against South Africa on November 20, 1996, and stepped into the ODI arena on April 9, 1998, against Zimbabwe.
IPL Career
Laxman participated in the inaugural IPL season in 2008 as the captain of the Deccan Chargers. However, due to a lack of aggressive play, he was relieved of captaincy before the season ended. In total, Laxman played 20 IPL matches, scoring 282 runs with a high score of 52 and a strike rate of 105.62.
VVS Laxman Career Stats
Batting
FormatMatchsRunsHSAverage SR10020050 4's 6'sList A 173 5078 131 34.54 9 0 28IPL 20 282 52 14.84105.62 0 0 1 33 5India Odi 86 2338 131 30.7671.24 6 0 10 222 4India T20India Test 134 8781 281 45.549.37 172 56 1135 5
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